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65-Year-Old Cold Case Solved by DNA
DNA evidence solves a 65-year-old cold case in Wisconsin, revealing the death of a 7-year-old boy due to neglect and abuse by his adoptive parents.
English
United States
Us PoliticsMurderChild AbuseCold CaseMysteryDna
Ozaukee County Sheriff's OfficeChicago PoliceGood Will Farm Orphanage
Chester Alfred BreineyMarkku JutilaWilliam JutilaHilja Jutila
- Why were no charges filed in this case?
- The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office used DNA technology to solve a 65-year-old cold case involving the death of a child who died of neglect and abuse. The case highlights the lasting impact of child abuse and the importance of child protection.
- How was the 65-year-old cold case solved?
- DNA evidence identified the skeleton found in 1959 as 7-year-old Chester Alfred Breiney, who was adopted and renamed Markku Jutila. His adoptive parents, William and Hilja Jutila, were initially suspects but charges were dropped due to lack of evidence linking them to the body.
- What was the cause of Markku Jutila's death?
- While the Jutilas confessed to disposing of Markku's body, further investigation suggests he died from significant neglect and a healed rib fracture indicating abuse. No charges will be filed as both parents are deceased.
- Why did the initial charges against the Jutilas get dropped?
- The case remained unsolved for 65 years due to insufficient evidence linking the skeleton to Markku Jutila. Advances in DNA technology finally enabled investigators to make the identification in 2023.
- What prompted the investigation into Markku Jutila's disappearance?
- The Jutilas' relatives became suspicious of Markku's whereabouts after the couple moved from Houghton to Chicago. The Jutilas eventually admitted to disposing of Markku's body, leading investigators to revisit the cold case.